Tag: xavier crockett

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips

May 19, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is May 18-24

STAUNTON, Va. — As summer gets ready to start, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is urging families to make water safety part of every day. Drowning happens fast and quietly, and it remains a leading cause of death for young children. But with simple steps, most drownings can be prevented.

“Prevention is vital when it comes to water safety,” says Xavier Crockett, Health Director at CSHD. “Proper safety, supervision, and knowing how to swim are key components to staying safe in the water.”

From 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning. Drownings can happen anywhere and children are especially at risk. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health reported a six-year high of 12 pool drownings in children 0 to 5 years old.

Drowning Prevention Tips:

  • Make sure kids and adults have basic swimming and water safety skills.
  • Actively supervise children in or near water. Designate a responsible adult to be the water watcher and watch the kids in the water without distractions. It’s easy to get pulled away by conversation or a quick glance at a screen.
  • Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. If something happens, having a friend with you could save your life.
  • Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets when needed.
  • Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
  • Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol slows your reactions and can make you make bad decisions. Stay out of the water if you’ve been drinking.

Many Virginians visit the beach for vacation in the summertime. The ocean, while fun and relaxing, can also be dangerous and unpredictable due to open water, waves, and changing currents. Swimmers should take extra precautions when swimming in the ocean.

Ocean Swimming Safety Tips

  • Swim at a lifeguarded beach. A lifeguarded beach significantly decreases the risk of drowning.
  • Know how to identify and escape a rip current. A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water that flows away from the beach and towards the ocean. Swimmers should remain calm, float, and either swim parallel to the shore or wave to a lifeguard for help. Talk to a lifeguard about where the rip currents are on your beach before entering the water.
  • Listen to regulations. If the beach is closed due to water safety, the guidelines are in place to keep people safe.
  • Check your local Beach Map for water quality updates before you go.
  • Know your limits. Knowing your skill level in open water will help you decide if you should swim or not.
  • If someone in the ocean needs help, call 9-1-1.

Make water safety a habit. Take the safe swimming pledge and help protect your family and community.

For more safety tips, please visit swimhealthyva.com.

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

March 31, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics this spring for rising 7th and 12th graders within Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School Districts. The vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“We recognize that time is valuable and the closer we get to summer, adults get even busier with vacations and other priorities. We encourage students to get their vaccines sooner rather than later when there can be a rush just before school begins in the fall,” said Xavier Crockett, Health Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “To make getting these important vaccines more convenient, CSHD will be hosting in-school vaccination clinics beginning in early April.”

In-school vaccine clinics dates and locations include:

Harrisonburg City Public Schools

  • Harrisonburg High School: April 16
  • Thomas Harrison Middle School: April 22
  • Rocktown High School: April 23
  • Skyline Middle School: April 30

Rockingham County Public Schools

  • Wilbur Pence Middle School: April 8
  • Turner Ashby High School: April 15
  • Broadway High School & J. Frank Middle School: April 20
  • Spotswood High School & Montevideo Middle School: April 24
  • East Rock High School & Elkton Middle School: April 29

Additional schools may be added in the future. Parents are encouraged to visit our website for up-to-date information about the in-school clinic schedule www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/immunizations/

Only students enrolled in the above listed individual schools and their corresponding clinics may attend these in-school clinics. School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department.

Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information since insurance will be billed. Parents must complete and submit to the school a signed consent form for their children to receive any vaccines at these clinics. Signed consent forms should be turned in to the children’s school prior to the clinic date. Without a signed consent form, children cannot receive any vaccinations.

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the AAP Vaccination Schedule.

For more information on vaccines, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/

 

Central Shenandoah Health District Welcomes New Health Director

March 10, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Welcomes New Health Director
Xavier Crockett Takes on District Leadership

STAUNTON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health welcomes Xavier Crockett as their newest health director for the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD).

Crockett has previously served in several leadership positions focused on emergency preparedness and health promotion. He was most recently the health director for Mesa County, Colorado.

He holds a Master of Science degree in Disaster Medicine and Emergency Management, and he is currently a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate.

Crockett has built many successful partnerships throughout his career, including with hospitals, behavioral health providers, local governments, and community organizations. His structured leadership has led to improved emergency preparedness, and these efforts have helped to develop long-lasting, community-focused plans for a modernized public health system.

“I’m honored to be able to serve this community alongside our dedicated staff and community partners. It is important that CSHD remains responsive and accessible. We need to be able to meet the needs of our region now and in the future,” Crockett says. “Public health works best when it is visible, trusted, and integrated into the daily lives of the communities we serve.”

Crockett has been an active volunteer throughout his career, having served on local, state, and federal advisory boards. He has also spent more than a decade as part of the Medical Reserve Corps. The national volunteer network has enabled him to serve in a variety of leadership roles. Through these efforts he has been able to work to improve community health and safety.

In his new position, Crockett plans to strengthen regional partnerships and looks forward to supporting the public health workforce. A main goal will be to ensure services are responsive and aligned with community needs. Crockett is also focused on strengthening access to services, maternal and child health programs, and community-based prevention efforts across the district’s ten localities.

For more information about the Central Shenandoah Health District, visit vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/.

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Safety Tips to Stay Warm During Extreme Cold

January 28, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Safety Tips to Stay Warm During Extreme Cold

STAUNTON, Va. – As the Shenandoah Valley continues to see dangerously cold temperatures, hypothermia and frostbite are real concerns. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) urges you to take steps to keep you and your family warm, dry and healthy during this storm.

“While the storm has moved through our region, prolonged cold temperatures continue to pose serious health risks,” says Xavier Crockett, health director for CSHD. “Taking simple precautions can prevent injuries and keep our communities safe.”

Hypothermia occurs most commonly at very cold environmental temperatures but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. Signs to look out for include shivering, exhaustion or fatigue, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and/or drowsiness. In babies look for bright red, cold skin and very low energy.

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold. The skin will feel numb, unusually firm or waxy, and can also appear white or grayish yellow. If you have frostbite, you may not know until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of your body are numb.

The Central Shenandoah Health District encourages you to take these steps to prevent hypothermia, frostbite and other potential injuries.

Staying Warm

  • Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.
  • Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.
  • Eating healthy meals will help to keep your body temperature warm.
  • Stay hydrated even during the cold to prevent hypothermia. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They cause your body to lose heat faster. Drink warm beverages or broth.
  • Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats on hand for use in cold rooms.
  • Charge all your devices (medical equipment, phone, computer, tablet, radio, etc.).
  • Check on neighbors, friends, and family.
  • For a list of warming centers in your area, call 2-1-1 or visit org/
    • Check this list for warming shelters located within CSHD:
      • Central United Methodist Church, 14 N. Lewis St., Staunton, VA, 24401
      • Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM), check here for rotating locations.
      • Open Doors, 1111 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA, 28802

If You Go Outside

If you must go outside, please take these precautions:

  • Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes to prevent frostbite.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
  • Avoid getting wet. If you get wet, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia.
  • Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.

If You Must Drive

  • If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first.
  • Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
  • If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
  • Always carry extra warm clothing and blankets with Don’t rely on a car to provide enough heat.

If you have chronic conditions, please reach out to your healthcare provider to make sure together you have a care plan in place. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.

If you notice signs of frostbite and hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have questions, please contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

Posted on by lindascarborough

January 21, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

STAUNTON, Va. – The Shenandoah Valley is expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, to include snow and ice this coming weekend. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) urges you to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm, and healthy during this storm.

“Being prepared for winter weather makes all the difference when a storm hits,” says Xavier Crockett, Health Director for CSHD. “We’re encouraging everyone to have emergency supplies at home, and to stay off the roads if they can, especially in our more rural counties.”

Before the Storm

Before the storm arrives, the Central Shenandoah Health District urges you to take these steps:

  • Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car.
  • Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide
  • Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
  • Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows.
  • Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.

During/After the Storm

  • Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.
  • Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.
  • Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.
  • Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.
  • Check on neighbors and family.

If you must go outside, take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

  • Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
  • Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.
  • Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages.
  • Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
  • Stay off the roads. If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The Central Shenandoah Health District wants you to stay warm, safe, and healthy! For more information, contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.